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Media MOGADISHU—There are plans for German troops to take part in the EU training
mission in Somalia, a German magazine has reported. Defense Minister
Ursula von der Leyen has said Bundeswehr troops would become more
involved in Africa.

According to the report, Germany's federal armed forces, the Bundeswehr,
is to discuss plans for German soldiers to join in the EU training
mission in Somalia.

Spiegel Online says an as-yet unspecified number of troops would join
the European Union military mission (EUTM Somalia), which contributes to
the training of Somali National Security Forces.

A German Defense Ministry spokesman confirmed the report in principle
but added that a political mandate was necessary from the Federal
Parliament, the Bundestag, before the number of troops could be
determined. The report indicated troops could be on the ground by April.

Since 2010,
EUTM Somalia has contributed to the training
of approximately 3,600 Somali soldiers. Training has been provided in
Uganda, due to the political and security situation in Somalia, in close
collaboration with the Uganda People's Defence Forces.

German troops have taken part in previous EUTM training programs for Somali troops in Uganda.

Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen has said that German soldiers
would become more involved in Africa in the future. She made her first,
official visit to Africa last week, with stops in Senegal and Mali.Add
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